514.050. If any person file, before any clerk in vacation,an affidavit that he has a just and subsisting cause of action onwhich he proposes to bring a suit, and that he is unable to paythe costs, the clerk shall issue an original writ, without feesfor the same. But the court may, in its discretion, refuse orpermit the further prosecution of the suit.
(RSMo 1939 § 1405)Prior revisions: 1929 § 1241; 1919 § 1693; 1909 § 2262